Target Corporation (TGT) reported robust financial results for the second quarter of 2024, marking a significant return to topline growth and strong profit performance.

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The company experienced a 2% increase in comparable sales, which was at the high end of its expectations. This growth was driven by a 3 percent increase in traffic compared to the prior year, with all six core merchandising categories showing traffic growth. Additionally, digital comparable sales surged by 8.7 percent, with same-day services experiencing double-digit growth, led by low teens growth in Drive Up and Target Circle 360™ same-day delivery.

The second quarter also saw a meaningful improvement in discretionary sales trends, particularly in apparel, which grew by more than 3 percent. Operating income margin rate for the quarter was 6.4 percent, an increase of 160 basis points compared to the prior year, driven by a higher gross margin rate. GAAP and Adjusted EPS stood at $2.57, reflecting a growth of more than 40 percent compared to last year’s $1.80.

Target Reports Double Beat in Q2

The financial results for the second quarter of 2024 surpassed Wall Street expectations. Analysts had anticipated an earnings per share (EPS) of $2.19 and revenue of $25.2 billion.

However, Target exceeded these expectations with an EPS of $2.57 and total revenue of $25.5 billion, representing a 2.7 percent increase from the previous year. This strong performance was attributed to increased traffic, improved discretionary sales, and a higher gross margin rate.

Operating income for the quarter was $1.6 billion, a 36.6 percent increase from the previous year, driven by both sales growth and a higher gross margin rate. The gross margin rate for the second quarter was 28.9 percent, compared to 27.0 percent in 2023.

This improvement was due to merchandising activities, including cost improvements that offset higher promotional markdown rates, favorable category mix, and lower inventory adjustments. Despite higher digital fulfillment and supply chain costs, Target achieved a significant increase in profitability.

Target Expects 0 to 2 Percent Comparable Sales Increase for Q3

Target provided guidance for the third quarter and the full year of 2024. The company expects a 0 to 2 percent increase in comparable sales for the third quarter, with GAAP and Adjusted EPS projected to be between $2.10 and $2.40.

For the full year, Target maintains its guidance range of a 0 to 2 percent increase in comparable sales but now believes the increase will likely be in the lower half of that range. Based on strong profit performance in the first half of the year, the company has revised its full-year GAAP and Adjusted EPS guidance to $9.00 to $9.70, up from the prior range of $8.60 to $9.60.

Target’s CEO, Brian Cornell, emphasized the company’s focus on building on the positive momentum by continuing to execute its strategy and offering a unique combination of newness and value that consumers can only find at Target. The company remains committed to maintaining a measured outlook while capitalizing on the growth opportunities in both its stores and digital channels.

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